They came to remember a soldier, each in their own way, as a father, a husband, a son or a friend. But it turned out everyone that knew Miguel Wilson had one thing in common; they will never forget his smile.
Sgt. First Class Miguel Wilson passed away November 21, 2008 in Abu Sayf, Iraq. Sgt. Wilson was crossing a bridge when he saw another soldier struggling in the water below. Miguel went over the side of the bridge wearing a backpack and approximately 65 pounds of protective gear. The rescue was successful except for one thing; Sgt. Wilson wasn't able to make it to safety.
"Thank God the world still makes heroes," Rev. G. Warren proclaimed. "Miguel didn't think, 'what will happen to me if I do this?' He asked himself, 'what will happen if I don't?' "
All three of Sgt. Wilson's children offered fond memories of a father gone to soon, but never to be forgotten.
"He had that sweet smile that we loved so much," recalled Bryce Wilson. "My new destiny is to make him proud."
"We hope you knew all along just what you meant to us," added J'Nai Wilson. "You will be missed dearly, but you are in a better place."
"He was a great dad and an even better person," said Miguel's youngest daughter, Lexus. He would want us to be happy."
Bonham physician James Froelich remembered hearing the song "Gone Too Soon" playing in the background when he spoke on the phone to Miguel's mother, Wanda Wilson. Dr. Froelich was the sideline physician for the Bonham Warriors were he had an opportunity to watch Miguel grow into a competitive athlete.
"He was intense and he was all heart," Froelich remarked. "He gave 110% for that team."
The soldiers Miguel served with in Iraq were a special team, Froelich added, special enough that Sgt. First Class Miguel Wilson gave his life for that team.
"In a world that needs a lot of heroes, Miguel has gone long too soon," Froelich stated.
